We all like to think of reaching old age and achieving our life-long goals, whatever they may be. Unfortunately, all too often, life is cut short; motor vehicle accidents, terminal illness and fatal heart attacks can strike any of us at any time. When a death occurs, unexpected financial burdens can arise within a family, particularly in the immediate aftermath.
The Ambulance Provident Fund was established in 1981 to provide financial security for the loved ones of those who died prematurely to cover those immediate living expenses.
All permanent full time and permanent part time employees (including non-uniformed) of the Ambulance Service of New South Wales are entitled to join the Ambulance Provident Fund as full members. The spouses/partners of those members, and others, are also eligible to join as associate members.
Conditions of membership (full details in the Constitution):
· the applicant certifies that they are in good health; and
· they do not exceed 40 years of age at the time of joining the Provident Fund.
In the event a prospective member exceeds 40 years of age at the time of joining, they may still join as a member by paying a joining fee in addition to the annual membership fees. The fees are equivalent to one years membership for every year in excess of 40 years to ensure all members contribute an appropriate amount for the benefit of the Fund.
Membership fees:
Members pay $156 per annum to remain financial. Membership is to be paid by 31 December each year for the following calendar year (1 Jan to 31 Dec). These fees are per person, so each member is responsible for the prompt payment of their individual fees. Membership is suspended with no benefits payable if a member is in arrears (e.g. at 01 January), and membership permanently lapses after 3 months in arrears.
Please note that no personal reminders are sent to members. All members get AGM announcements and reminders that memberships are due sent to their registered email address. All members are encouraged to register with their personal email.
How to pay:
Permanent staff of NSW Ambulance may choose to pay by payroll deduction. It is their responsibility to make these arrangements via their payroll office (lodge via SARA – help sheet HERE). Fees are $3.00 per week per member ($6 per pay period and $156 annually). Membership does not commence until your financial contributions commence. This method is not recommended if you intend working casual, taking leave without pay or work in an add hoc way as payroll deductions missed will render you unfinancial.
You can pay your fees by credit card from our website, either with your member number from the front page or from within your profile. This is an encrypted portal protecting your details. To log in to your profile, see instructions HERE.
Benefits payable:
On the death of a member, the Ambulance Provident Fund (APF) pays a benefit to the deceased member's nominee. This is not part of the deceased member's estate. It is paid in a lump sum to the nominee, immediately following notification of the member's death. The beneficiary payment is based on the age of the member at the time of their death. See the following link to view the APF Beneficiary Payment Table.
All beneficiary payments are authorised and at the discretion of the Board of Directors in accordance with the Constitution.
